European aquaculture production has continued to increase rapidly during the past 15 years due to expansion in the marine sector in the EU and EFTA countries. This increase represents a rise in pressure on adjacent water bodies and associated ecosystems, resulting mainly from nutrient release from aquaculture facilities. The precise level of local impact will vary according to production scale and techniques as well as local and regional hydrodynamics and chemical characteristics.

Following the principles of the European Thematic
Strategy on the Protection and Conservation of
the Marine Environment, the collective interest
of EEA and UNEP/MAP has been developed
towards a product focusing on priority pollution
zones in the Mediterranean Sea and addressing
emerging issues. All these issues come under the
prism of an ecosystem approach. The core of this
report derives from the latest (2003–2004) country
National Diagnostic Analyses reports (NDA).

European marine regions include the north-east Atlantic and Arctic oceans, and the
Mediterranean, Black and Baltic seas. Human activities — such as fishing, aquaculture and
agriculture — and climate change cause large and severe impacts on Europe's coastal and marine
ecosystems. The EU objective of halting biodiversity loss by 2010 has not been met in either the
coastal or the marine environment. Recognising the need for an integrated ecosystem-based
approach to reduce pressures, the EU Integrated Maritime Policy allows for the development
of sea-related activities in a sustainable manner. Its environmental pillar, the Marine Strategy
Framework Directive, aims to deliver 'good environmental status' of the marine environment
by 2020, and the Common Fisheries Policy will be reformed in 2012 with the aim of achieving
sustainable fisheries. Complementary policy efforts include the EU Water Framework Directive and
other freshwater legislation, and the Habitats and Birds Directives.